Ex Celtic, Leeds United and Wolves ace a 'live contender' for EFL boss job as Elland Road connection crucial
The former striker has featured at Celtic, Leeds United, Wolves and more.
A former Celtic, Leeds United and Wolves star could land a job at an EFL Championship club after coming close to landing the top job at Parkhead over the summer.
Robbie Keane was heavily linked with returning to one of the clubs he represented as a player but Martin O’Neill eventually returned to post ahead of this season. The former Republic of Ireland striker who also featured at Wolves, Leeds United, Tottenham, Liverpool and more was most recently with Hungarian outfit Ferencvaros. He is now a contender to become Preston’s manager after they let go of former Hibs and Leeds boss Paul Heckingbottom, with Elland Road connections of the past key.
Transfer journalist Alan Nixon said: “Robbie Keane is in the frame for the Preston North End vacancy and a first crack at English football management. The Irishman is a live contender for the post after Paul Heckingbottom’s exit and could be tempted if North End can sell the idea to him. Keane has worked in Hungary and Israel and was close to getting the Celtic job before they opted to stick with Martin O’Neill.
How could Robbie Keane join Preston North End?
“The former top class striker knows Preston supremo Peter Ridsdale from his time at Leeds United and that is another tick in the box. The hardest part may be convincing Keane that North End match his ambitions but the charismatic coach would be a strong choice if they appeal to each other.”
A Preston statement on Heckingbottom and his assistant, Rangers hero Stuart McCall, read: “Preston North End Football Club have today taken the decision to part company with Paul Heckingbottom as First Team Football Manager.
“Football is a results business and despite significant investment in the playing squad since Paul joined, the results during 2026 and the start of this current campaign have not been acceptable. Paul leaves us with our thanks and best wishes. His professionalism and work ethic during his time with us have been second to none.
“As a result of this decision Stuart McCall has also left the Club today. We similarly thank Stuart for his contribution over the last two years and wish him all the best for the future. We will now look to appoint a new manager as soon as possible but until such time as we do Jason Euell will take charge of first team matters on an interim basis.”
The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly